Good dog! Canine heaven at National Western

Every year around this time, the Westminster Kennel Club puts on its hifalutin, thoroughly mockable parade of purebreds, all vying to star in the next Christopher Guest movie. And around the same time, a down-home dog show unfolds at the National Western Stock Show Complex, sponsored by the Colorado Kennel Club and the Plum Creek Kennel Club.

The 15th Annual Rocky Mountain Cluster Dog Show, Feburary 12-15, is an opportunity to admire canine grace and agility -- and even the showiest showdog's capacity for unpretentious butt-sniffing. Only dogs entered in the show are allowed, but humans can take in the judging rounds, the agility and obedience contests, rally rings, and even the behind-the-scenes grooming secrets, as well as many, many vendors of doggy vitamins, couture and bling.

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One particular highlight that sets this gathering apart from snobbier dog shows: A parade of rescue mutts Saturday at noon in the Center Ring. And you thought only purebreds could be the top of their class. Click here for more details.

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Alan Prendergast has been writing for Westword for over thirty years. He teaches journalism at Colorado College; his stories about the justice system, historic crimes, high-security prisons and death by misadventure have won numerous awards and appeared in a wide range of magazines and anthologies.

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